Travel 30 miles south of Charleston, and you'll reach quiter surroundings and a slower pace of life in Wadmalaw, SC. When you get there, you may want something to drink, and that is where Firefly Distillery comes in. Firefly produces a line of vodka products, including local favorite Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, which burst onto the scene in April, 2008, as well as flavored moonshine, dessert spirits, and bourbon. Visit the distillery for a taste of sweet tea or a variety of other Firefly spirit flavors.
The Avian Conservation Center and the Center for Birds of Prey, located in Awendaw, SC, is a place for wildlife and nature lovers. The facility is spread out over 150 acres of land near the Francis Marion forest and houses approximately 120 birds including hawks, kites, eagles, vultures, and owls.
The staff and volunteers at the Center rescue around 500 injured and threatened birds a year. The birds that are unable to be safely released back into the wild act as educational diplomats for conservation and are the stars of the show at the Center. The facility is open to the public for tours and flight demonstrations Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Children who love science and wildlife typically have an exceptional experience here.
Birds of Prey Location
The Center is located at 4872 Seewee Road, Awendaw, SC 29429.
Call (843) 971- 7474 for directions or with any questions.
Tour and Flight Demonstration Times
The Center for Birds of Prey is open year-round to the public Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays. The grounds are open from 10:00 a.m. - 5;00 p.m. these days. Guided tours of the facility begin at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Flight demonstrations are held directly after the guided tours at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Flight demonstrations may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather.
Admission Fees
Adult tickets: $18.00 • Children (ages 6-18): $12.00 • Children (ages 5 and under): Free of charge
* The Center offers a $1 discount to Seniors and Active Duty Military, and $2 off adults who are members of AAA
Did you know that owls fly silently?
Things You May Want To Bring
Guests are encouraged to bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and sunglasses. The Center is located a fair distance from most local hotels and accommodations, so guests should be prepared to bring snacks in the car or drive to a local eatery after they enjoy the grounds.
While You're in the Area
If you make the drive out to Awendaw and would like to be in the area for the day, Eco Tours from Bulls Island run early morning and at lunch time with Coastal Expeditions.
Details for tours and attractions recommended by Traveling Ink can be found by category under the Charleston Attractions menu of the website under Things to Do. For a quick overview of tours and things to do in Charleston, please read the descriptions below.
Charleston Steeplechase is a great option for runners of all levels who want to learn more about downtown Charleston. Tours cover 3.5 miles of the downtown Charleston area. For those who aren't daily runners, don't worry. There are multiple stops in the historic district to give guests a break and an opportunity to learn about the beautiful city they are running through.
When it comes to kayak tour experience in the Charleston area, Coastal Expeditions is the name to know. The family-owned business has been providing guests with stellar adventures since 1992, and has a variety of different tours and locations for patrons to take advantage of. The tour guides are dedicated naturalists who are eager to share the natural beauty and wildlife of the rivers, salt marshes, and blackwater in the Lowcountry for paddlers at most any level.
The South Carolina Aquarium opened it's doors in May of 2000 in Charleston, SC. Located on the water with views of the Charleston Harbor, the aquarium features aquatic life from five major regions in the Southeast. In addition to the interesting marine life on hand, the aquarium also champions education programs, conservation efforts, and a top notch sea turtle rescue program.
Guests may need a half day to take in the various exhibits, aquarium shop, and cafe. The aquarium offers something entertaining for both kids and adults and is a great option to escape the heat or a rainy day in Charleston.
*Traveling Ink cares about the safety of our guests and affiliate partners. While the site will attempt to provide up to date, accurate information, please understand that Covid 19 may cause last minute cancellations or alternative service offerings. We trust our affilate partners to make good safety decisions for guests and team members and stand behind their efforts to make wise choices. Traveling Ink is a Charleston travel and event planning expert, not an infectious disease expert. So, when in doubt, consult the CDC, World Health Organization, or your trusted physician for advisement. Stay safe out there.
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